4-6-2024 (KOH SAMUI) In a vibrant display of athleticism and community spirit, more than 1,000 Thai and foreign runners converged on the famous island of Koh Samui for the annual Samui Neon Run on Sunday. This colourful night-time event, organised by Central Pattana Plc, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Samui Municipality, and private partners, aimed to promote the idyllic Gulf of Thailand island as a premier sport tourism destination.
As the sun set over the tropical paradise, participants donned attire adorned with backlights and glowing paint, transforming the 5.1-kilometre track into a luminous spectacle. The start and finish line were set at the Central Samui shopping mall, from where runners embarked on a journey that took them along Chaweng Road towards the iconic Chaweng Beach, passing through local fishing communities just as they began their nightly routines.
The competitive spirit was palpable as runners of all nationalities vied for top honours. In the male category, Duyakar BaharDuu from Myanmar emerged victorious, followed closely by Spain’s Eneko Anibarro and Russia’s Pavel Kuleshov. The female division saw Olena Nikitas from Ukraine claim the gold medal, with Russia’s Ekaterina Baranova and England’s Michelle Ward rounding out the podium as silver and bronze medalists, respectively.
The event was not just a celebration of athletic prowess but also a testament to the island’s allure as a premier tourist destination. Thai celebrities, including Prim Korawan of The Face Thailand, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 second runner-up Nantiya Suwansawaeng, and DJ Dolla, added to the glamour and excitement of the occasion.
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, boasts a rich history and natural beauty that have earned it international acclaim. Spanning 236 square kilometres and situated off the east coast of Surat Thani province, the island was named the seventh-best island in the world and the second-best in Asia by Travel+Leisure magazine’s 2021 survey, highlighting its appeal as a tropical paradise.
